Third L.A. is emblematic of Occidental’s innovative, collaborative approach to learning that seeks to integrate its curriculum with the cultural and intellectual resources of Los Angeles.

In 2015, “Third L.A.,” a series of public conversations about Los Angeles’ past, present and future as a place to live and work, proved to be one of the most attended events ever hosted by Occidental. In 2016, Los Angeles Times architecture critic and adjunct professor Christopher Hawthorne returned to chair the second iteration of the series, which explored new topics including landscaping, the Olympics, digital technology, and street design and mobility. “I think everybody has a sense that the city is in a major transitional moment,” Hawthorne said. Recaps and video of the discussions can be viewed on the past events page.